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September 19, 2005

* Martha, Williamsburg: Ever since the series "Secrets in the dirt" by Mark St. John Erickson has been running, I have been making a scrapbook that is just fascinating for folks, particularly for visitors from other places who come in. I'm disappointed, however, that it's no longer on the back page, where it was in color. The material is still there on the inside, but it was just so much more exciting on the back page. I do hope you will consider putting it on the back page again.

Editor: For two years, Mark's series has been the summer replacement for Chester the Crab's SOLutions lesson and activities. Chester runs in synch with the Standards of Learning curriculum, so it has to start when school starts -- even though the archaeological work chronicled in Mark's series isn't quite wrapped up. Just like last year, we gave the color spot back to Chester, so "Secrets in the dirt" has to run in black and white for its last few weeks. Glad that you like it so much, and I wish we had more pages where we could run color.

* From Hampton: I've wondered about this for many years: Whenever there's a large-scale disaster, the media immediately go to press or on the air with claims of "Death toll to be in the thousands" or "Thousands presumed dead in earthquake," etc. When the dust settles, the death toll is always far less than these dire predictions. This is good news, of course. But why does the media feel the need to immediately sensationalize presumed death tolls, instead of waiting until the actual toll is determined?

Editor: Thanks for asking. We're here to get answers to people's questions. And one of the first questions in a disaster is always number of casualties. People want estimates, and they understand that the numbers will change as the situation settles. Sadly, they don't always change for the better.

* Suzi, Newport News: Your "I desperately need a new look" contest is insulting to teachers. What makes you focus on this group of professionals as people who need haircuts and new clothes? I won't even go into your use of the word "desperate" when we have seen true despair in recent days. How insensitive.

Editor: Our Life section contest, in good fun and with a free makeover, is intended to recognize teachers, not to insult them. It's just a twist on the usual Back to School and fall fashion ideas. Teachers not seeking a makeover and new clothes are free not to participate. We're confident that readers can keep the word "desperate" in proper perspective.

* Roy G., Williamsburg: The AP article about the credentials of Coast Guard Vice Adm. Thad Allen to head the federal government's response to Katrina made one serious omission regarding the admiral's background. The article stated he is a graduate of MIT. While I am certain he received a graduate degree at MIT, he received his undergraduate degree from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, class of 1971. As a retired Coast Guardsman and a Coast Guard Academy graduate, I am frankly offended by that omission. It should come as no surprise that our service fulfilled its mission in an outstanding manner during and after Katrina. We would have expected no less.

Editor: Thanks for the clarification.

* Mary, Newport News: I am just curious about whether there are people running for lieutenant governor and attorney general in either party. I've only seen one vague reference to a woman running in Northern Virginia.

Editor: For lieutenant governor, it's Democrat Leslie L. Byrne of Fairfax County versus Republican state Sen. Bill Bolling of Hanover County. For attorney general, it's Republican Del. Bob McDonnell of Virginia Beach versus Democrat state Sen. Creigh Deeds of Bath County. You're not alone, but you can be sure that they'll be spending money to make an impression on you between now and Election Day, Nov. 8. Meanwhile, our campaign coverage will also help you learn who they are and what they stand for. Today's Page A1 story has the results of the latest poll. *